Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flair, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, sweet and nutty butternut squash, and savory sausage, all wrapped in a rich and creamy sauce, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory flavor of the sausage, and the creaminess of the sauce creates a harmonious and delicious taste experience.
• The use of pre-made gnocchi and sausage makes the preparation of this dish surprisingly easy, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive result.
• The combination of textures, from the soft gnocchi to the crunchy sausage and the smooth sauce, adds depth and interest to the dish, making each bite a pleasure.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place it on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with a little bit of oil. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily mashed. Let it cool, then scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash it with a fork until it’s smooth.
2. Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
3. Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Onion – In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce – Add the chicken broth to the skillet with the onion and garlic, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook until it’s reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and dried sage.
5. Step 5: Combine and Serve – Add the cooked gnocchi, mashed butternut squash, and cooked sausage back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce as it simmers.
• Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. You can also substitute with other types of sausage, like spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – they should be soft and pillowy. If you’re using homemade gnocchi, be gentle when cooking them to prevent breaking.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and onion, make sure to adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning. The ideal temperature for cooking sausage is medium-high, but reduce the heat to medium or low if the sausage starts to brown too quickly. For the sauce, a simmer is ideal – you want to see gentle bubbles rising to the surface, which usually occurs at a medium-low heat setting.

Crunch Factor

To add a crunchy element to the dish, consider topping the gnocchi with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley. You can also add some crispy cooked bacon bits on top for a smoky, crunchy texture. The key is to balance the softness of the gnocchi and the sauce with a satisfying crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, toss them with a little bit of olive oil after cooking and draining.
• For an easy cleanup, prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook, and use the same skillet for cooking the sausage, onion, and sauce to minimize the number of dishes.
• Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor in the sauce. You can also make your own broth from scratch for added depth of flavor.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently with a little bit of cream or broth to restore their creamy sauce.
• The mashed butternut squash can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Cooked sausage can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, but if you want to share it with friends or family, consider packaging the cooked gnocchi, sausage, and sauce in airtight containers and garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also include a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal. Wrap the containers in a decorative towel or place them in a gift basket for a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, for a spicy or smoky flavor.
• Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the onion for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of sage for a different twist on the creamy sauce.

Troubleshooting

• If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
• If the gnocchi are sticky or clumpy, try tossing them with a little bit of olive oil or flour to separate them.
• If the sausage is overcooked or dry, try cooking it for a shorter amount of time or using a different type of sausage that holds its moisture better.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the gnocchi? Yes, cooked gnocchi can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The gnocchi typically contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free gnocchi or make your own gluten-free version using gluten-free flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a true showstopper, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. With its rich and creamy sauce, soft and pillowy gnocchi, and savory sausage, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twists and flavor variations – and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!